Method and apparatus for installation of surface-mounted kitchen cooktop units

ABSTRACT

A concealed bridge assembly is provided for supporting adjacent lateral edges of cooktop units that are mounted in a kitchen countertop. The concealed bridge assembly can be used for traditional raised mounting of cooktop units or true-flush mounting of cooktop units. When used with traditional mountings, the concealed bridge assembly has a top that is sized to be flush with the countertop surface and the approximate length of the countertop opening. If true-flush mounting is desired, the top of the concealed bridge assembly is flush with the top surface of a kerf cut in the countertop.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

The present application is a division of and claims priority to commonlyassigned, pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/392,420 filed onDec. 28, 2016.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to surface mounted kitchencooktop units that can be mounted within an opening in a countertop.Such cooktop units are not attached to standalone appliances, but areinserted within an opening defined within the countertop surface. Suchcooktop units are comprised of a surface of relatively thin dimensionand of a housing of a relatively thick dimension. In order to supportthe cooktop unit, various mounting applications are typically disposedproximate the opening within the countertop in order to support thecooktop unit. FIG. 1 shows such an arrangement with the cooktop unit 100mounted on a countertop 102 on a cabinet 104. The cooktop unit 100 issupported by brackets 106 that are secured to the cabinet 104.

Problems arise in the mounting and supporting of cooktop units in thismanner. Typically, brackets are disposed and fastened along the inneredge of the opening in the countertop surface. One problem inherent tothis design is with countertops that are a solid surface, including, butnot limited to, natural stone, granite, marble, etc. Such densematerials resist conventional drilling of holes to which the bracketsare attached. Grinding of the dense material to produce these holes istypically required and special hole-forming tools are needed. Further,the holes are placed into the relatively narrow face of the countertopopening and, as such, placed parallel to the top-most working surface ofthe countertop. Those holes and expanding fastener systems can act asstress concentration points that weaken or fracture the solid surface.Further, the natural formation of stone, granite, and marble materialsleads these materials to be non-homogeneous in composition with veins ofdifferent material within the countertop slab(s). Although theappearance of non-homogeneous countertops is valued by customers, therelative differences in composition may cause a hole-forming tool towander off the intended path for the fastener holes and lead toirregular, unaligned holes and/or lead to embedment of broken tools(such as drill bit tips) in the countertop. Even further, when a typicalbracket requires the placement in multiple holes for attachment, thereis an additional requirement that multiple holes be located a specifieddistance from each other. Those tolerances are difficult to achieve insuch solid surfaces.

Problems also arise in alternate mounting and support designs thatemploy adhesive as adherent to affix one or more brackets disposedproximate the opening within the countertop. Environmental contaminants,such as ambient dust, countertop dust, oils, water, and/or finger oilscan be present at the adhesive bond line surface, resulting in asub-optimal and weak bond between bracket and countertop. Using adhesiveon the face of the countertop opening's inner edge places the bond lineof the adhesive into a shear force that arises from the weight load ofthe cooktop, cooking vessels, foods, and incidental contact. Adhesivesdo not resist shear forces well, especially over a long period of time.

Problems also arise in alternate mounting and support designs thatemploy a flanged bracket that is disposed proximate the opening and atthe top-most corner of the opening. In these designs, a portion of theflange is positioned in contact with and parallel to the top surface ofthe countertop. The flange acts as a hanger structure to support thesurface-mounted kitchen cooktop unit. However, a portion of the flangeon the top surface of the countertop is visible unless thesurface-mounted kitchen cooktop unit is designed to be installed ascover for the flange. The flange also precludes a manner of installationof the surface-mounted kitchen cooktop unit where the cooktop unit's topsurface is completely flush to the countertop, which is greatly desiredby high-end consumers.

Additionally, gaps that arise between structures—for example, a gapbetween underside of the countertop and the cabinet—represent an areathat may allow localized bending movement of the countertop, and suchbending of a natural stone, marble, and/or granite countertops mayresult in fracture of the countertop. In effect, none of the mountingapplications above redirects or reduces the portion of the weight loadimpinging on the countertop.

When the cooktop unit has a planar surface and multiple brackets aredisposed proximate the opening within the countertop in order to supportthe cooktop unit, care must be taken to ensure that the cooktop unit islevel. When the number of supporting brackets exceeds three in number,the brackets do not contribute to a three-point definition of a plane,and the excessive brackets may cause the cooktop unit to be installed ina warped and out-of-plane condition. The inclusion of screw heightadjustment mechanisms in the brackets presents a multiple-pointadjustment challenge to an installer by requiring a plurality ofadjustments to achieve a plane, and this adjustment is typicallyrequired to be performed from the underside of the cooktop unit afterthe cooktop unit is placed into the opening within the countertop.

When multiple cooktop units are in a side-by-side configuration, thereis a line of contact between defined by edges of adjacent cooktop units.These edges are not supported by the above-described arrangements, andmay result in misalignment of the edges of adjacent cooktop units. Thus,the need exists for a system for supporting cooktop unit(s) that resultsin proper alignment and proper support of the cooktop unit(s) in anytype of countertop.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a surface mounted cooktop. Atleast one cooktop unit is received in an opening sized to receive thecooktop unit(s) within the surface. A bridge assembly supports at leastone surface of the cooktop unit. The bridge assembly includes a firstbeam with a length to proximately match the width of the opening in thesurface and a height that is equal to or greater than the thickness ofthe surface. The bridge assembly also includes a second and third beamsthat are adjacent to and in sliding contact with the first beam.Fasteners are used for securing the bridge assembly underneath thesurface.

Another aspect of the present invention is a bridge assembly forsupporting one or more cooktop units. The bridge assembly includes afirst beam with a length to proximately match the width of the cooktopunit and at least one plate on the first beam. The bridge assembly alsoincludes a second beam that is adjacent to and in sliding contact withthe first beam, having at least one groove that receives at least oneplate from the first beam. The bridge assembly also includes a thirdbeam adjacent to and in sliding contact with the first beam, with atleast one groove that receives at least one plate on the first beam.Fasteners secure the second and third beams to surfaces underneath thecooktop unit.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for installingand supporting a surface mounted cooktop units. The method includesselecting one or more cooktop units for placement within an opening in acountertop. A bridge assembly is positioned underneath adjacent surfacesof cooktop units. The bridge assembly includes a first beam with alength to proximately match the cooktop units, and second and thirdbeams adjacent to and in sliding contact with the first beam. The methodincludes securing the second and third beams to surfaces underneath thecooktop units.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a prior art example of a cooktop installed in a countertopusing brackets;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing installation options for cooktops accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a kerf (K) cut into a countertop;

FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a bridge assembly, turned onits side, according to an embodiment of the present installation priorto installation in a cabinet;

FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of the bridge assembly, rotatedto a vertical position, prior to installation in an opening in acountertop;

FIG. 6 is a partial top perspective view of the bridge assembly of FIGS.4 and 5 placed inside an opening in a countertop;

FIG. 7 illustrates optional front and back cleats that can be used in acabinet;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the portions of the bridge assemblyconnected to the cleats on the front (F) and back (B) of the cabinet;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the bridge assembly prior toinstallation in the opening in a cabinet;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the bridge assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the bridge assembly;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the first and second beams ofthe bridge assembly;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the first and second beamsaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the end of the second beam of thebridge assembly;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the securement of the first andsecond beams;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the first and third beams;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the bridge assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention taken long line XVII as shown inFIG. 14; and

FIG. 18 is a partial fragmentary perpendicular view of two adjacentcooktop units installed with the bridge assembly in a cabinet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As referenced in the figures, the same reference numerals may be usedherein to refer to the same parameters and components or their similarmodifications and alternatives. For purposes of description herein, theterms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the presentdisclosure as oriented in the Figures. However, it is to be understoodthat the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations,except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.The drawings referenced herein are schematic and associated viewsthereof are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother, including, but not limited to, through the use of fasteners,other mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc. Such joining may bestationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achievedwith the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additionalintermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary bodywith one another or with the two components. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unlessotherwise stated.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a method ofinstalling a plurality of cooktop units in a kitchen. The methodprovides for a true-flush installation of the cooktop units wherein thetopmost surface of the cooktop unit rests in substantial alignment,i.e., substantially flush with the topmost surface of the countertop.This true-flush installation is achieved by creating a cutout with anassociated kerf(s) which is a step(s) formed in the countertop. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the kerf K includes a top surface which acts as aledge 42 to support a portion of the cooktop unit and a radius 40. Theledge 42 of the kerf K is thus proximal to the cutout opening in thecountertop. The dimensions and shapes of the kerf(s) is substantiallythe same as the relative dimension of the cooktop unit. Ideally, theedges of the cooktop unit will closely fit the outside shoulder 43 ofthe kerf such that very little to no portion of the ledge 42 of the kerfis visible when looking down onto the countertop and cooktop unit(s).While FIG. 2 illustrates certain steps taking place in a factory andcertain steps taking place in the field, it should be understood thatall the steps can take place in either location. For example, thecutting of the countertop can take place in the field.

In addition to providing support for the cooktop in a true-flushinstallation, the ledge 42 of the kerf K provides a natural lower backersurface for sealant, such a silicone caulk, that can be used to fill thegaps between the edge of the cooktop and the shoulder 43 of the kerf K.The corner radius 40 of the kerf K in the countertop for the true-flushinstallation is not physically dependent upon the corner radius 45 ofthe cutout in the countertop. The dimensions and shapes of the kerf isindependent of the opening defined within the countertop surface. Thisprovides an advantage in that the corner radius 45 of the cutout in thecountertop can be sized to a relatively larger radius to prevent stressconcentrations as corresponds to a smaller radii. This provides thefurther advantage in that the corner radius 40 of the kerf and thecountertop for true-flush installation can be sized to substantiallymatch the radius of the corner of the cooktop.

The method also includes a traditional installation wherein the cooktopunit is installed into an opening of a countertop without using a kerf.The upper surface and rim of the cooktop rests on top of the top surfaceof the countertop.

Both true-flush and traditional installation methods utilize the entireperiphery of the opening within the countertop in order to support thecooktop unit(s), avoiding stress concentration points. This method alsoeliminates the need for the creation of holes in the countertop, whichmakes installation easier and avoids potential damage to countertopsand, in particular, countertops that are natural stone, marble, orgranite.

When two or more cooktop units are installed in a side-by-sideconfiguration, the countertop cutout methods may be combined with aconcealed bridge assembly 10 for mounting and supporting two or morecooktop units. As illustrated in FIG. 18, two cooktop units 2 aresupported both by a kerf K in a true-flush installation and a concealedbridge assembly 10. While this illustrated example shows a singleconcealed bridge assembly 10, it should be understood that any quantityof concealed bridge assemblies 10 may be employed so as to match andsupport any quantity of cooktop units 2 installed into a countertopopening 8.

Each single concealed bridge assembly 10 supports edges of two adjacentcooktop units 2. Since the concealed bridge assembly 10 is located underthe line of contact between and defined by two lateral edges of thecooktop units 2, any gaps between the line of contact that would allow aview of the cabinet space below the cooktop unit is blocked by the topsurface 30 of the concealed bridge assembly 10. In addition, the topsurface 30 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 can be any color,including a color that matches the color of the cooktop unit. The topsurface 30 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 provides a natural lowerbacker surface for sealant, such as silicone caulk, that can be used tofill any gaps between the lines of contact defined by adjacent edges oftwo cooktop units 2. The concealed bridge assembly 10 eliminates theneed for brackets to support the cooktop units and avoids stressconcentration points on the countertop surface.

The concealed bridge assembly 10 includes a first beam 12, a second beam14, and a third beam 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5. While FIG. 4 showsthe concealed bridge assembly 10 turned on its side, FIG. 5 illustratesthe concealed bridge assembly 10 in an upright position. The combinationof the first beam 12, the second beam 14, and the third beam 16 is alsoshown in FIGS. 11-17. The second beam 14 and the third beam 16 haverespective grooves 32 and 34. As illustrated in FIG. 14, grooves 32, 34have a cross section with slanted walls 91, 93 and a relatively flat topwalls 95, 96.

The first beam 12 has a height H3, which is equal to or greater than thethickness of the countertop. The first beam 12 also has at least oneplate 46, which is coupled to the first beam 12. That plate(s) 46 isreceived within the respective channels 32, 34 and the second beam 14and third beam 16, respectively. In the illustrated example, a singlefront plate 46 is used and a single rear plate (not shown) is used. Whenthe fasteners 18 are tightened, the plate 46 is drawn into contact withthe top walls 95, 96 in the groove 32 of the second beam 14. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, similarly, the rear plate (not shown) is drawnto the top walls 95, 96 of the groove 34 of the third beam 16 when thefasteners 20 are advanced. A hex tool 90 can be used to tighten thefasteners 18, 20 thereby drawing the plate(s) 46 against the walls 95,96 of the grooves 32, 34 fixing the relative alignment of the first beam12, second beam 14, and third beam 16.

The width W2 of the lower portion of the first beam 12 can be greaterthan width W1 of the top surface 30, as illustrated in FIG. 17.Similarly, the overall height H3 of the first beam 12 can include one ormore bends 77 to help strengthen and to help center the top surface 30of the first beam 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, width W1 is approximately ½ inch, whilewidth W2 is approximately 1 inch. Height H1 is approximately ½ inch andheight H2 is approximately 1.1 inch, while height H3 is approximately 2inches. Height H4 is approximately 1 inch. Thus, in this particularembodiment, the concealed bridge assembly 10 could be used on acountertop 4 that has a thickness of 2 inches or less. This would permitconnection of the second beam 14 and third beam 16 of the concealedbridge assembly 10 to the cabinet 6, as described above, whilepermitting the top surface 30 to support lateral edges of adjacentcooktop units 2.

The concealed bridge assembly 10 is installed by fastening the secondbeam 14 and third beam 16 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 to thecabinet 6 bypassing attachment to the countertop 4, avoiding theproblems of creating holes in the countertop 4. The concealed bridgeassembly 10 may be fastened directly to the cabinet 6 and/or by use ofreinforcing cleats added to the cabinet 6 to provide structuralreinforcement to the cabinet 6. FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the use ofreinforcing cleats. A front cleat 60 may be located on the front F ofthe cabinet 6 while a back cleat 62 can be located on the backside B ofthe cabinet 6. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the bracket 22 that is attachedto the second beam 14 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 may beattached to the front cleat 60. The bracket 22 can be integrally formedwith the second beam 14 or can be secured to the second beam 14 using afastener 23. The bracket 22 includes an opening 26 through which afastener (not shown) can be inserted to secure the bracket 22 to thecleat 60, which has been coupled to the front F of the cabinet 6. If nocleat is used, the bracket 22 is attached directly to the front F of thecabinet 6, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Adhesive may be used with or inplace of the fasteners for securing the brackets 22, 24 and/or cleats60, 62 to the cabinet 6.

The height at which the concealed bridge assembly 10 is installed withinthe cabinet 6 depends upon whether a true-flush or traditional mount isdesired, the thickness of the countertop 4, and the thickness of thelateral edges of the cooktop units 2. Ideally, the top surface 30 of thefirst beam 12 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 is at a height toprovide support for but not unnecessarily raise the lateral edges of theadjacent cooktop units 2.

The concealed bridge assembly 10 can be installed from the top side ofthe countertop 4 by the installer without the need for the installer tocrawl into the cabinet 6. The top surface 30 of the concealed bridgeassembly 10 can be aligned with the top edge of the countertop 4 (fortraditional installation) or aligned with the ledge 42 of the kerf K(for true-flush installation) prior to installation of the cooktopunit(s) 2. Thus, the concealed bridge assembly 10 can be inspected toensure that a substantially planar surface is provided by the concealedbridge assembly 10 and the countertop 4 and/or ledge 42 of kerf K.

The first beam 12 should have a length to nearly match the front-to-backcountertop cutout opening dimension and/or the front-to-back kerfopening. FIG. 9 illustrates a traditional mount where the countertopopening width OW is substantially the same as the top wall width TW ofthe top surface 30. Ideally, there would be minimal clearance betweenthe cutout opening (and/or the top cutout/kerf opening) and the topsurface 30 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 so as to provide theadvantage of caulk backer and advantage of blocking views through thegaps between the line of contact defined by the adjacent edges of thecooktop units 2.

While a variety of brackets 22, 24 and 80, 82 have been illustrated inthe drawings for securing the second beam 14 and the third beam 16directly or indirectly to the cabinet 6, any type of bracket system,with or without adhesive, may be used to secure the second beam 14 andthird beam 16 directly or indirectly to the cabinet 6. Additionally,other means of coupling the concealed bridge assembly 10 may be used.

The beams 12, 14, 16 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 can be formedmetal and/or extruded metal. While the first beam 12 can come in avariety of standard sizes depending upon size of the cooktop units 2,the first beam 12 may be cut, prior to installation, to precisely fitthe cutout/kerf opening. This may be needed, particularly in cases whenthe opening is not precisely cut and/or a kerf is used.

While the illustrated embodiment utilizes plates 46 with associatedfasteners 18, 20 to secure the first beam 12, second beam 14, and thirdbeam 16 together to form the concealed bridge assembly 10, any type ofcoupling can be used to affix the beams 12, 14, 16 in alignment and tothe desired length.

Installation of the concealed bridge assembly 10 is accomplished byloosening the fasteners 18, 20, sliding the second beam 14 and the thirdbeam 16 and brackets 22, 24 together and aligning the combined length ofsecond beam 14, third beam 16 and brackets 22, 24 to be less than orequal to the length of the first beam 12 and to be on the samecenterline C, as shown in FIG. 6. The concealed bridge assembly 10 isinserted into the countertop opening 8, and the top surface 30 of thefirst beam 12 is aligned to the surface of the countertop fortraditional installations and, alternatively, to the ledge 42 of thekerf K for true-flush installation.

The second beam 14 is extended under the front edge of the countertop 4to the inner face of the front F of the cabinet 6 or to the inner facewith added support cleats 60, and the bracket 22 is fastened by using afastener through fastener opening 26 to the inner face of the cabinet 6.The third beam 16 is extended under the rear edge of the countertop 4 tothe back face of the cabinet 6 or to support cleats 62 and the bracket24 is fastened with fasteners through opening 28. The fasteners 18, 20are then tightened to affix relative alignment of the first beam 12,second beam 14, and third beam 16 and to prevent the relative slidingand/or tightening of the concealed bridge assembly 10. The order inwhich the second and third beams 14, 16 are extended and the fastenersare secured is not critical to the proper final installation.

A single concealed bridge assembly 10 supports adjacent edges of twoadjacent cooktop units 2 with additional concealed bridge assemblies 10being used to support additional cooktop units 2. When the front F andback B of the cabinets are not parallel or are not square, the secondbeam 14 and the third beam 16 can be rotated slightly as illustrated inFIG. 16 to allow for small, limited axial misalignment of the concealedbridge assembly 10 to accommodate such discrepancies between the front Fand back B of the cabinets. In addition, the bottom edges of theconcealed bridge assembly 10 can provide surfaces on which angledbrackets and tension screws (not shown) may act to provide for thecoupling of edges of adjacent cooktop units 2 to the concealed bridgeassembly 10 to prevent upward movement of the cooktop units 2.

The second beam 14 may include a stop plate 70 that contacts theradiused edge 73 of plate 46 to limit outward sliding travel betweenfirst beam 12 and second beam 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-13. Thestop plate 70 can be integrally formed with the second beam 14 or can besecured to the second beam using a fastener 71. The third beam 16 mayalso include a stop plate 70.

The concealed bridge assembly 10 and the methods of installationdisclosed are provided by way of example and do not act to limit theconcealed bridge assembly 10 to application in a line from front edge ofa countertop cutout to the back edge of a countertop cutout. Theconcealed bridge assembly 10 may, in alternate applications, span cutoutspaces from the left edge of a countertop cutout to the right edge of acountertop cutout. Installation as traditional and true-flush examplesdo not act to limit the concealed bridge assembly 10's potential forother types of styles of installation, including raised installations orlowered installations.

The materials and processes of bridge construction detailed are providedby way of example, and do not act to limit bridge construction, andadditional examples being polymers, fiberglass, composites materials,natural materials, and molding, roll forming, stamping, and casting.

The method of countertop cutouts, kerfs, bridges, and installationsdisclosed are provided by way of example and not limited to cookingappliances, and apply to any suitable item, additional examples beingcountertop mounted machines, appliances, downdraft ventilations,controls, disposals, power modules, griddles, cleaning appliances,sinks, aesthetic panels, or multiples of or combinations of same.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or will be able to ascertainusing no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to thespecific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalentsare intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and willherein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, thatthere is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure tothe particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the present disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure,those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readilyappreciate that, unless otherwise described, many modifications arepossible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formedmay be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple partsmay be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may bereversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connector or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating positions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bridge assembly for supporting one or morecooktop units, comprising: a first beam, having a top surface forsupporting at least a portion of at least one cooktop unit, with alength substantially the same as a width of the opening in a surfacethat will receive said at least one cooktop unit, a height, including atleast one bend, that is equal to or greater than a thickness of saidsurface, and wherein said top surface has a width that is less than thewidth of said bottom surface; a second beam, adjacent to and in slidingcontact with a portion of said bottom surface of said first beam; athird beam, adjacent to and in sliding contact with a portion of saidbottom surface of said first beam; wherein the first beam has at leastone plate that is received in a portion of the second beam; and at leastone fastener that passes through said at least one plate on said firstbeam to press said plate against a surface of said second beam to permitrelative sliding motion between said first and second beams when said atleast one fastener is loosened and to prevent relative sliding motionbetween said first and second beams when said at least one fastener istightened.
 2. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktopunits of claim 1, wherein said at least one cooktop unit comprises aplurality of cooktops.
 3. The bridge assembly for supporting one or morecooktop units of claim 1, wherein the relative sliding motion of thethird beam and first beam is controlled by at least one fastener thatpasses through a plate on said first beam that is received in a portionof said third beam.
 4. The bridge assembly for supporting one or morecooktop units of claim 3, wherein said at least one fastener that passesthrough a plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of saidthird beam is threaded.
 5. The bridge assembly for supporting one ormore cooktop units of claim 1, wherein the width of the top surface ofsaid first beam is sized to support lateral edges of adjacent cooktops.6. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of claim1, wherein the said at least one fastener is threaded.
 7. The bridgeassembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of claim 1, whereinsaid opening in said surface includes a ledge that is substantially thesame as the thickness of a rim of the at least one cooktop unit, andwhich supports at least a portion of the at least one cooktop unit. 8.The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of claim 1,including cabinet fasteners that extend through brackets in said secondand third beams to secure the bridge assembly to a cabinet that supportssaid surface.
 9. A bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktopunits, comprising: a first beam, having a top surface for supporting atleast a portion of at least one cooktop unit, with a lengthsubstantially the same as a width of the opening in a surface that willreceive said at least one cooktop unit, a height, including at least onebend, that is equal to or greater than a thickness of said surface, andwherein said top surface has a width that is less than the width of saidbottom surface; a second beam, adjacent to and in sliding contact with aportion of said bottom surface of said first beam; a third beam,adjacent to and in sliding contact with a portion of said bottom surfaceof said first beam; wherein the first beam has at least one plate thatis received in a portion of the third beam; and at least one fastenerthat passes through said at least one plate on said first beam to presssaid plate against a surface of said third beam to permit relativesliding motion between said first and third beams when said at least onefastener is loosened and to prevent relative sliding motion between saidfirst and third beams when said at least one fastener is tightened. 10.The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of claim 9,wherein said at least one cooktop unit comprises a plurality ofcooktops.
 11. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktopunits of claim 9, wherein the relative sliding motion of the second beamand first beam is controlled by at least one fastener that passesthrough a plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of saidsecond beam.
 12. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktopunits of claim 11, wherein said at least one fastener that passesthrough a plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of saidsecond beam is threaded.
 13. The bridge assembly for supporting one ormore cooktop units of claim 9, wherein the width of the top surface ofsaid first beam is sized to support lateral edges of adjacent cooktops.14. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units ofclaim 9, wherein the said at least one fastener is threaded.
 15. Thebridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of claim 9,wherein said opening in said surface includes a ledge that issubstantially the same as the thickness of a rim of the at least onecooktop unit, and which supports at least a portion of the at least onecooktop unit.
 16. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktopunits of claim 9, including cabinet fasteners that extend throughbrackets in said second and third beams to secure the bridge assembly toa cabinet that supports said surface.